- Published:
- Sunday 8 November 2015
Construction on the removal of eight more dangerous and congested level crossings on the Frankston line will begin in 2018, with detailed planning and community consultation to kick off later this month.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined local Member Sonya Kilkenny and other Frankston line MPs at the Station St level crossing in Carrum today to make the announcement.
The Andrews Labor Government has committed to removing 50 of Victoria’s worst level crossings, including 20 in its first term. Nineteen of these crossings have already been identified and include the Centre, North and McKinnon Rd level crossings on the Frankston line where construction has already begun.
The eight level crossing removals announced today are on top of the 19 crossings already identified, and will make local communities safer, create space to run more trains and reduce congestion right along the eastern side of the bay.
The crossings are likely to be removed as a single package of works, similar to the current packaging of the nine level crossings on the Dandenong corridor, improving coordination and reducing disruption to residents, motorists and train passengers.
Community consultation and detailed planning will be critical for the removal of the Frankston line crossings, which will be some of the most complex in the Labor Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project. Challenges include the high water table, narrow rail corridor and the proximity of the crossings to Nepean Hwy and the bay.
Geotechnical investigations to better understand ground conditions began recently and detailed planning will begin this month, as well as community consultation along the corridor. Further information about pop up information stands at stations and community information sessions will be provided in the coming weeks.
Community consultation will continue through 2016, in preparation for contract award in 2017 and start of construction in 2018.
For more detail about the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to reduce congestion, improve safety, run more trains and create 4,500 jobs, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re getting rid of 50 of Victoria’s worst crossings because they clog our roads, cripple our train system and put lives at risk, and not a moment is being wasted in getting started on the eight crossings on the Frankston line.”
“Combined with the removal of all nine level crossings between Dandenong and Caulfield, getting rid of these crossings will transform Melbourne’s south east, delivering more trains, less congestion and safer roads.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“By 2018, work will have started or finished on more than half of the 50 dangerous and congested crossings we promised to get rid of.”
Quote attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
“Carrum and communities along the Frankston line have been living with these dangerous, congested crossings for too long. Finally we have a Government – the Andrews Labor Government – that will get rid of them.”